Horus, the falcon deity whose name means “he who is above,” was often depicted with a sun-disk on his head. Known alternatively as the sky god and the sun god, Horus was one of Egypt’s earliest deities. He was identified with the pharaohs beginning in the dynastic period, about 3100 BC.

The Eye of Horus, or Wedjat Eye, represented healing, strength, perfection and wholeness, and was often worn as a protective amulet (see: Faience Amulets).